Patrick Mahomes Undergoes Surgery, Begins Rehab as Chiefs Look to Finish Strong
Patrick Mahomes isn’t wasting any time. Just days after suffering a significant ACL injury, the Chiefs’ star quarterback has already undergone surgery in Dallas and is diving headfirst into rehab. It’s the first major injury of his NFL career, but if you know anything about Mahomes, you know he’s not the type to sit around and sulk.
According to head coach Andy Reid, Mahomes’ mindset has been nothing short of relentless.
“He’s so positive right now,” Reid said. “He attacked this thing the day after, but wouldn’t expect anything less.
Get me up and get me going. He was basically saying that an hour after the game.
So brace me up and let me go. It’s not one of those injuries, obviously, but that’s his mindset.”
That attitude might not heal ligaments, but it goes a long way in the recovery process. As Reid put it, “His attitude-that’s about 90% of the thing. How you go about it, how willing are you to push through the pain of getting it right?”
And that’s vintage Mahomes. Even in the face of a brutal setback, he’s locked in, focused, and already working toward a return.
For Kansas City fans, that’s exactly what you want to hear. No timelines have been shared yet, but the early signs suggest Mahomes is approaching this challenge with the same fire he brings to the field every Sunday.
Chiefs Shift Gears With Minshew Under Center
With Mahomes sidelined and the Chiefs officially eliminated from playoff contention, the rest of the season takes on a very different tone. Gardner Minshew will step in as the starter for the final three games, giving Kansas City a new look as they aim to close out a difficult season on a high note.
There’s no sugarcoating it-this year has been a rough ride for the Chiefs. Sunday’s loss not only knocked them out of the playoff race, it also cost them their franchise quarterback.
It was a gut punch in every sense. But in the NFL, there’s no pause button.
The games keep coming, and the Chiefs have no choice but to keep pushing forward.
That’s the mindset Reid is preaching. No self-pity.
No excuses. Just finish strong.
“The show must go on,” Reid acknowledged, pointing to the three regular-season games that still remain. And while the postseason is off the table, there’s still pride to play for-and plenty of evaluation to be done as Kansas City looks ahead to next year.
Looking Ahead
The injury to Mahomes is obviously a massive blow, but it’s also a reminder of just how quickly things can change in this league. One moment you’re chasing a playoff spot, the next you’re reshuffling the depth chart and thinking about the offseason.
But if there’s a silver lining here, it’s Mahomes’ response. His determination, his mindset, his refusal to let the injury define him-that’s the kind of leadership that transcends the field. And it sets the tone for a team that’s trying to turn the page.
The Chiefs may be out of the playoff picture, but they’re not out of fight. With Minshew stepping in and Mahomes already grinding through rehab, Kansas City is keeping its foot on the gas as the season winds down.